Picture yourself skimming the surface of the ocean, spurred on by the stiff sea breeze. The light blue sky above and the dark blue water below. There’s something very Zen-like about Windsurfing, a sport that stimulates your mind as well as providing an effective full-body workout.

As windsurfing requires a particularly delicate balance of wind, waves and weather it suits the majority of Europe’s coastal countries. Here we put together a list of the best spots in the old continent for you to consider when you plan your next summer adventure.

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Spain – Tarifa

Considered by many as the ultimate European windsurfing destination, Spain has plenty to offer to water sport enthusiasts. Among many great spots, the crown belongs to Tarifa, the town situated at the lowest point of Europe, where the Strait of Gibraltar and the African coast come closest.  It’s the playground of two potent winds: the Levante, from the east, and the Poniente, from the West. Despite these winds regularly reaching 40 knots the surf and skies remain crystal clear and relatively calm. It’s no surprise that this spot has been dubbed “The capital of the wind”.

Although quite famous with the windsurfing community, its typical Andalusian feeling remains intact. With picturesque white houses, flamenco, tapas and a great nightlife, it is also an ideal family destination.

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Italy – Torbole, Lake Garda

With over 7000 Km of coast including the islands of Sardinia and Sicily and home to beaches that easily rival the Caribbean’s, one could be excused for thinking that the best places to windsurf in Italy are strictly on the Mediterranean.

However, one of the best windsurfing spots is actually on a lake in northern Italy – the picturesque Lake of Garda, between Mount Baldo and the Sarche plain.

Here you will find the town of Torbole, one of the favourite destinations of Italian windsurfers. The protection offered by the mountains and the thermoregulation of the lake ensure a Mediterranean micro-climate, while the Ora and Peler guarantee gentle propulsion across crystalline water.

Make sure you visit the charming town and try some of the great food that the region has to offer.

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Greece – Paros, New Golden Beach

We don’t need to tell you how beautiful Greek islands can be: clear water, perpetual blue sky, and white-sanded beaches are part and parcel of these historic isles. You could potentially pick any island at random and be on to a winner.

When it comes to water sports though, our recommendation would be Paros, one of the Cyclades islands. The constantly hot temperature is mitigated by the Meltemi, a strong wind that makes this island our destination of choice for a Grecian windsurfing jaunt.

The town of Dyros is replete with beautiful beaches, but Tserdakia, AKA “New Golden Beach”, is the real hot spot. Tserdakia played host to the 2000, 2003 and 2010 PWA IFCA international windsurfing championships as well as other top international events.

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UK – Gwithian Beach, Cornwall 

If you don’t mind the UK’s slightly chillier climates, Cornwall is a great place for windsurfing, especially since it enjoys all the oceanic might of the Atlantic. Luckily, Cornwall enjoys marginally hotter temperatures than the rest of the UK due to the influence of the Gulf Stream.

A big hook for windsurfing enthusiasts is the variety offered by the ocean: if you are a beginner, there are calm waters where you can safely practice you newly found passion, while more experienced surfers can still find powerful winds and challenging waves.

Among many beaches, Gwithian Beach is probably the most established and is characterized by long stretches of sand surrounded by dunes which end abruptly in 30 foot cliffs. Dramatic!

Emilicon Ashton / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA

Turkey – Alaçati

When it comes to windsurfing, Alaçatı is simply the number one place in Turkey and one of the best in the world.

Also known as the “St. Tropez of Turkey”, you will be beguiled by this town’s great architecture and by the turquoise waters that lap against the beach, Alaçatı Plajı.

Shallow waters, light winds and a sandy seabed make this perfect for beginners, especially children. However, being a popular tourist destination, it is worth noting that it tends to get crowded, especially between June and September.

Author: Antonio is a writer and Digital Marketer currently working with Salop Leisure, a caravan and motorhome dealer in Shrewsbury.